To survive hunting adventures, one must have complete knowledge about what to pack in a hunting bag because that is what you will rely upon entirely when you are on the field. There are plenty of factors that one should keep in mind when getting prepared for the hunting season.
Hunting requires experience and expertise.
For most hunters, hunting is a learning process that keeps getting efficient and polished as more and more years pass by. They go through demanding challenges and complex trials and evolve with better skills and techniques of professional hunting. Most importantly, emergency and survival situations in the jungles and mountains are what teach them ultimate knowledge.
But if you are a beginner and planning a hunting trip with your family and friends, you might be unaware of many details about what to pack in a hunting bag. So, whether you are a professional hunter or a freshie, let’s refresh what to carry for hunting to make it more exciting and less exhausting.
Table of Contents
- 1 Hunting Daypacks
- 2 21 Essentials-What to pack in a hunting backpack?
- 2.1 1. Headlamp
- 2.2 2. Range Finder
- 2.3 3. Binoculars
- 2.4 4. Rain Gear
- 2.5 5. First Aid Kit
- 2.6 6. Flashlight
- 2.7 7. Maps
- 2.8 8. Water
- 2.9 9. Food/snacks
- 2.10 10. Rope
- 2.11 11. Sleeping bag
- 2.12 12. Small tent
- 2.13 13. Rubber gloves
- 2.14 14. Toiletries
- 2.15 15. Sunglasses
- 2.16 16. Sunscreen
- 2.17 17. Firestarters
- 2.18 18. Ammunition
- 2.19 19. Knife
- 2.20 20. Hunting license
- 2.21 21. Game Calls
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Hunting Daypacks
Without a daypack, you can’t hunt, of course. I mean a proper hunting backpack is a must that will carry your gear all through your outdoor journey. Whether it’s a wild turkey or an elk, or a black boar, daypacks are the most suitable option to carry their meat. Hunting packs are designed in such a way that they can easily accommodate your clothes, shoes, binoculars, cook grill, gloves, tent, sleeping bag, emergency kits, etc. They aren’t like regular backpacks which you take to your college or office.
Some of the most crucial factors which you should never ignore while purchasing the backpack for hunting are as follows:
- Wide enough space (2000 cubic inches and above)
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Built-in-meat shelf
- Aluminum framework
- Organizational compartments for ammunition (pistols and bows)
- Multiple Pockets
- Cook grill pocket
- Molle webbing attachment points for attaching extra gear
- Room for sleeping bag and tent
- Padded suspension system
- Ventilated Back Panel
- Hydration reservoir
- Durable Material
- Rain Cover
- Forest Camouflage
If you want to get your hands on the best hunting bags in town, go and read Our article about Best Hunting Backpack For Elk Hunt. It will provide you with the perfect guide regarding which hunting bag you should buy.
21 Essentials-What to pack in a hunting backpack?
If You are Looking for What to pack in a hunting backpack. Here is the list of the essential things: these have to be in your hunting pack no matter what.
1. Headlamp
Headlamps are vital when the sunlight is no more; It should have various modes like the bright spotlight mode or the red light for night vision. Likewise, a set of batteries is also something you should keep with you. If the headlamp drains out, use them or your phone’s flashlight.
2. Range Finder
Range finder will help you in all weather conditions and distances. It will provide you with definite accuracy limits, which will help you in targeting your prey.
3. Binoculars
Of course, how will you hunt without a good pair of binoculars? They will provide with magnification needed to determine your animal prey. Use a binocular harness to protect your optics. Keep them safe in a binocular pocket in your hunting pack.
4. Rain Gear
Rain and snowy flakes are inevitable in winter seasons, whether mountains, plains, or jungles. To protect your gear from soaking into moisture, get good rain gear.
5. First Aid Kit
Hunting can be brutal too. In case of any bruises and cuts, a first aid kit is essential to treat you in that situation. It should contain Dettol, cotton, bandages, antibacterial ointment, sanitizer, pain killers, etc.
6. Flashlight
To track your prey, buy a 300+ lumen flashlight, which will help you hunt at sunset or after that.
7. Maps
If you have map access from your phone, go with it. But I would suggest keeping a paper-printed map as well, especially in case of more extended hunts.
8. Water
Your hunting bag should indeed have a 2 liters hydration reservoir. Store your water there to avoid any dehydration.
9. Food/snacks
Of course, food is the most critical part while hunting. Keep prepackaged frozen snacks, high-calorie protein bars, dark chocolate, and mixed nuts for quick energy supply. If you have hunted your prey, enjoy a bar.b.q on the cooking grill.
10. Rope
Ropes are used for hanging meat from trees or for putting up your tent.
11. Sleeping bag
To avoid any back pains, get yourself a comfortable sleeping bag rather than sleeping on the rugged plains.
12. Small tent
To stay safe and hidden, a tent is a must.
13. Rubber gloves
They will help you in butchering your prey without making your hands bruised.
14. Toiletries
Even if you dump in the bushes, you need proper cleaning. Use wet tissues for this purpose.
15. Sunglasses
This is up to your choice. Some hunters prefer sunglasses while many don’t. But when the sun is scorching, they would be beneficial.
16. Sunscreen
Oh yes! Sunscreen is a must in order to protect your skin from sun damage. Or otherwise, you would get a tan after your hunting expedition.
17. Firestarters
For both camping and cooking, you need a source of lighting up a fire. Keep lighters or matchboxes.
18. Ammunition
There are different types of ammunition for different kinds of hunts and hunters. It’s per their convenience. Pistols, rifles, bows, shooting sticks are some examples. Whatever tool you are experienced and good at using, prefer that.
19. Knife
A sharp knife with a drop-point blade is necessary to cut down your prey’s skin and meat.
20. Hunting license
Carrying your Hunting license is vital so that if you face any forest officer there, you won’t end up being in trouble.
21. Game Calls
Last but not least, a game call will help your prey come closer to you. It will stop and come into your shooting range..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What Is The Minimum Age To Obtain Any Hunting License?
At least you should be 16, according to most of the states in the US.
What Is The Best Hunting Backpack For Elk Hunt?
BADLANDS 2200 ELK HUNTING BACKPACK is one of the ideal hunting packs in the market. It offers high-quality and water resistance too.
How Much Should My Hunting Pack Weigh?
Hunting packs usually weigh around 4-8 lbs. They are supposed to be lightweight but offer more space.
How To Organize My Hunting Pack?
Keep the unbreakable and big things at the bottom part like the sleeping bag, clothes, towels or tent. On them, keep the other heavy stuff. Organize in such a way which won’t create a hustle bustle when you take out something while hunting. The things which require quick access like binoculars should be kept in pockets.